Compulsive behaviors (the repetitive rituals used to reduce anxiety caused by the obsessions) can become excessive, disruptive, and time-consuming, and may interfere with daily activities and relationships. Examples of compulsive behaviors may include:

repeated hand washing (often 100 or more times a day)

checking and rechecking repeatedly (i.e., to ensure that a door is locked)

following rigid rules of order (i.e., putting on clothes in the very same sequence every day, keeping belongings in the room in a very particular way and becoming upset if the order becomes disrupted)

The symptoms of OCD may resemble other medical conditions or psychiatric problems, including Tourette's disorder.

What are the causes of OCD?

There has not been a single proven cause identified for OCD. Researchers believe OCD is related to low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is thought that those that suffer with OCD may have receptor sites that are blocked or function incorrectly preventing serotonin from exhibiting its full affects. A person with OCD may not have enough serotonin. Serotonin supplements which contain the precursors that enable the brain to maker more serotonin have helped many OCD sufferers to function better.

OCD tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. However, OCD may also develop without a family history of OCD. Recent studies suggest that streptococcal infections may trigger the onset or increase the severity of OCD, in some cases.

Testing for OCD

In our practice the work up includes Neurotransmitter levels especially serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, histamine, and GABA. B12, Homocysteine, copper and zinc levels are also checked.

Natural Treatment Remedies for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The following OCD supplements may provide natural relief for OCD symptoms. We use these OCD supplements in our clinic either by themselves or in combination with an SSRI anti-depressant:

Kavinacecombines two powerful ingredients that have shown to be effective at addressing symptoms of stress, anxiousness, irritability, hyperactivity, and sleep problems. Kavinace contains the GABA derivative, Phenibut which crosses the blood brain barrier more easily than GABA.

Ultra 5HTP Contains St.Johns Wort plus 5HTP to reduce OCD symptoms. Do not take with an SSRI.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective means of controlling anxious and intrusive thoughts, as experienced with obsessions and compulsions. Research shows that children can be taught to "challenge" their anxious or excessive thoughts by being taught to better understand what is taking place. Not a full answer, study results are encouraging. Many are not aware of this method, and it is not always east to find a practitioner.

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Our functional medicine approach involves identifying core imbalances which affect the brain and body network. We realize that there is no separating the brain and the body. What affects the body affects your brain.